Monday, May 11, 2015

Review: Murder at Beechwood by Alyssa Maxwell

Having turned down the proposal of Derrick Andrews, Emma Cross has no imminent plans for matrimony--let alone motherhood. But when she discovers an infant left on her doorstep, she naturally takes the child into her care. Using her influence as a cousin to the Vanderbilts and a society page reporter for the Newport Observer, Emma launches a discreet search for the baby's mother.

One of her first stops is a lawn party at Mrs. Caroline Astor's Beechwood estate. But an idyllic summer's day is soon clouded by tragedy. During a sailboat race, textile magnate Virgil Monroe falls overboard. There are prompt accusations of foul play--and even Derrick Andrews falls under suspicion. Deepening the intrigue, a telltale slip of lace may link the abandoned child to the drowned man. But as Emma navigates dark undercurrents of scandalous indiscretions and violent passions, she'll need to watch her step to ensure that no one lowers the boom on her...'

My thoughts:

I have returned to summer in Newport, Rhode Island with my dear friends the Vanderbilts and the Astors. Emma Cross is a lesser relation to the glorious Vanderbilt clan and she resides in Newport year round. She is surprised one morning to wake up to find a baby on her doorstep. Apparently, word is in town that she takes in people cast out from society, so it's no wonder that this baby ends up at her house. It of course is a little shocking to Emma, as who wouldn't want to keep their baby, but nevertheless, she welcomes the young child into her home. Of course, it doesn't end there and Emma attends a afternoon party at the Astor's estate of Beechwood. While she is there a boat race turns tragic and a man is thrown overboard and presumed to be dead. Nothing makes sense and soon Emma finds herself at the helm of a murder investigation

I have continuously sung praises for this book series. I adore this series, the characters and the historical detail. I simply cannot get enough. Maxwell creates a story rich in detail and suspense and it is impossible to put down. The amount of research that this author does for these novels shows on every single page. The author stays true to real events that occurred in the lives of the Vanderbilts and the Astors as true as she can. She, of course, has to take literary liberties where necessary, but nevertheless, the story is flawless and completely engaging. Emma is humble despite her families richness and glamor and I truly enjoy her for that. She is the anchor in the storm and she can always be counted on to be reliable and level headed.

I've said it one time before, you are missing out on a phenomenal series if you have not read this series yet. I always know that when I read a book in this series that I will not be disappointed and I will always end the installment wanting more. Another job well done by a new and emerging literary force in the historical mystery genre. Do not miss out on this author as I have a feeling that she has a lot more in store for her readers and for the series and I cannot simply wait.

Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review. I reviewed this book without compensation of any kind. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.

1 comment:

I can't wait to read this and if I get it sooner than later, maybe I'll take it to Newport and read it there. The sailboat races just ended but there more period sailboats around to set the mood. It was have been nice to read this book on the lawn on Beechwood.

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I am a 29 year old bookworm and I'm proud of it. I have a love of historical fiction and cozy mysteries, but I will read a lot of different genres as well. I love to read and love to get recommendations on books. You will always find me with my nose in a book.